Greater Arid-Land Katydid

Green bug
June 12, 2010
Green bug
Found this on my patio in Abilene Texas.
Michael
Abilene, Texas

Greater Arid Land Katydid

Hi Michael,
This is a predatory Katydid in the genus Neobarrettia.  We believe it is the Greater Arid Land Katydid, Neobarrettia spinosa, sometimes called the Red Eyed Devil according to BugGuide.  This is a gregarious omnivorous species that is found in Texas and a few neighboring states.  We would not discount that it might be the smaller White Eyed Devil, Neobarrettia victoriae, which is also pictured on BugGuide.  The individual in your photo is a female based on her long ovipositor that might be mistaken for a stinger.  These aggressive Katydids are capable of biting and drawing blood.

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